by Ryan Goodwin

St Mirren will bounce back from the harsh weather conditions of last week in order to travel to Leith-based side, Hibernian, tomorrow afternoon.

Having had last week’s game against Raith Rovers called off due to the weather, the Buddies find themselves now playing at Hibs, for what will be their first league game since January, 2nd. It will be a tough match for St Mirren to come into however, as the Hibees look towards moving above Falkirk for second place.

Having not had their game called off last week, Hibs have had regular match time and find themselves a game ahead of much of the league. Though this won’t matter too much to the Edinburgh side, due to being 18 points ahead of the team below them, Raith Rovers. Last week’s game perhaps didn’t go to plan for Hibs, having only managed a 1-1 draw with their close league rivals, Falkirk.

Being one of the Championship’s obviously stronger sides, Hibs have only lost one game in their last ten – which was against league leaders, Rangers – and could look to extend this form against a St Mirren side only beginning to find their feet. Jason Cummings and James Keatings have been a huge influence behind this run, with the pair scoring 20 goals between them so far in the league. This match-up further brings ex-Buddie John McGinn face-to-face with his former side yet again this season, having been a member of St Mirren’s League Cup winning squad in 2013.

St Mirren, though, are starting to get more wins under new manager, Alex Rae. Having been under Ian Murray’s reign last time the Saints met Hibs, they succumbed to a heavy 4-1 loss in their own stadium. Nevertheless, Alex Rae has doubled the win tally in the few games he has had in charge and the squad are a lot more confident this time around. Perhaps most so is striker, Lawrence Shankland, who has been in very good form of-late, scoring three goals in the last four games.

The Saints will need to put in a performance in such a tough match to prove they have turned a corner. Doing themselves proud against a very confident Hibs side could allow the side to pick up more confidence for themselves as they finally look to catch the teams above them in the league.